It is with sadness that we announce that Helen passed away after a brief illness. Helen was born on a farm in rural Alberta and as soon as she graduated from school, she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force to see the world. Instead she ended up in Prince Edward Island for the duration of the war, but she did meet her husband of 57 years, Peter who volunteered for the air force from Victoria BC. They settled in the Vancouver area and raised five children. Helen was an avid and expert sewer, knitter and needle worker, including teaching needlework. She was an active volunteer with the IODE in New Westminster and Coquitlam, including being the Provincial President. She especially raised money for university scholarships and for books to give to families to encourage reading. Additionally, she sewed book bags for the children to carry their books.  More recently, up until her last illness, she knitted items for charity and was a member of Century House. She participated in craft group at Century House which raised money for the senior’s centre by selling their handmade items. As well as volunteering and crafting, Helen enjoyed reading and travelling, especially to Norway where she had many relations. Her biggest joy was joking around with friends and family as well as meeting new people.  Helen is survived by her five children: Janice, Ruth, David, Geoffrey, and Elizabeth Griffiths, grand-daughter Jodi Rogers, three great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter, and her three sisters and two brothers. A Celebration of Helen’s life will held February 24, 2018 at 1 PM at Kearney’s Columbia-Bowell Chapel, 219 -  6th Street, New Westminster.